PHOENIX - The United States could see an official about-face in the coming months in how it confronts illegal immigration if the Supreme Court follows through on its suggestion to let local police enforce the most controversial part of Arizona's immigration law.

Over the last several years, states frustrated with America's porous borders have rejected the notion that Washington is responsible for confronting illegal immigration.

The states have passed a flurry of laws to let local police confront illegal immigration. The Supreme Court is poised in the coming months to let the states know whether they haven't crossed the line this time.

The justices suggested Wednesday that they're ready to let Arizona enforce its requirement that police officers check the immigration status of people they suspect are in the country illegally.